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Eastern illinois University Panthers Bolster roster with New Football Recruits
football welcomes a fresh wave of talent, adding depth to both sides of the ball with new recruits and transfers for the upcoming season.">
Eastern Illinois University (EIU) is injecting fresh talent into its football program,announcing the arrival of several new players poised to make an immediate impact. The Panthers have strategically added depth across multiple positions, including both sides of the line, linebacker, running back, punter, safety, tight end, and defensive back, setting the stage for a competitive season.
New Additions to the Panthers’ Line
The Panthers have reinforced their offensive line with the addition of Dominic Fasano (Plainfield, Ill.), Jacob Tighe (Arthur, Ill.), Brandin carpenter (Pasadena, Calif.), Aidan Hubble (Boulder, Colo.) and Jourden Hale-Frater (Cincinnati, Ohio), and Cody Weaver (Turlock, Calif.). Fasano, a 6-3, 300-pound freshman, brings a history of playoff experience from Plainfield North High school. Tighe, a 6-4, 310-pound freshman, was a two-way starter at Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammon HS, earning All-Conference honors on both offense and defense. Carpenter,a 6-6,280-pound freshman from Pasadena High School,was listed on the SVG Offensive Line Watch List. Weaver, a 6-6, 330-pound junior transfer from Modesto Junior College, helped his team average over 446 yards per game in 2024. Hubble,a 6-8,310 RS-Junior,transfers from San Diego Mesa College. Hale-Frater, a 6-6, 350 RS-Junior, transfers from Tennessee State University.
Linebacker and Defensive Reinforcements
On the defensive side, EIU welcomes linebackers Reed Blake-Thomas (Brighton, Mich.), Tylan Foster (Houston, Texas), and Ja’waun Nickson (Tuscaloosa, Ala.). Blake-Thomas, a 6-2, 230-pound freshman, earned All-State honors at Brighton High School. foster, a 5-11, 225-pound 5th-year transfer from the University of Incarnate Word, brings significant experience, having recorded 84 tackles in 2023, ranking second in the Southland conference. Nickson, a 6-0, 230-pound junior, transfers from Riverside City College, where he tallied 74 tackles and seven sacks in 2024, earning All-Region honors.
The defensive line also sees the addition of Samuel Robles (Alief, Texas), Tyler Miller (Brooklyn Park, Minn.), Maximo Vaughn (San Diego, Calif.) and Tovie Martin (Clovis, Calif.). Robles, a 6-2, 270-pound junior transfer from Tyler Junior College, recorded four sacks and a forced fumble in 2024. Miller, a 6-3, 290-pound RS-Junior transfer from Independence CC, posted 18 tackles in 2024. Vaughn, a 6-5, 245-pound junior, transfers from San Diego Mesa College. Martin, a 6-4, 245-pound junior, transfers from College of the Sequoias.
In the secondary, Bruce mitchell (Little Rock, Ark.) and Daniel Autrey (Glendale, Calif.) join the Panthers. Mitchell, a 6-0, 180-pound RS-Sophomore transfer from Mississippi Valley State University, had 24 tackles and five pass break-ups in 2024. Autrey,a 6-4,200-pound junior transfer from Glendale College,recorded 33 tackles and two interceptions in 2024.
Offensive Skill Position Additions
Charles Kellom (Cincinnati, Ohio) joins the Panthers’ backfield as a RS-Junior running back, transferring from the University of Akron. Kellom rushed for 352 yards in 2024, averaging 4.1 yards per carry.Trayvon moore (Hattiesburg, Miss.) adds depth at tight end. Moore, a 6-4, 230-pound 5th-year transfer from the University of nebraska Kearney, had a touchdown reception in 2024.
Special Teams
aaron Rice (Naperville, Ill.) will handle punting duties for the panthers. rice, a 6-5, 205-pound sophomore transfer from College of DuPage, earned NJCAA first-team All-America honors in 2024.
Secondary Reinforcements
Khamrin Boecker (Toledo, Ohio) and shibat Jr. (Fontana, Calif.) will bolster the secondary. Boecker, a 6-3, 190-pound RS-Junior transfer from College of DuPage, earned second team NJCAA All-America honors in 2024.Shibat Jr., a 5-11, 195-pound junior, transfers from Riverside City College, where he recorded 42 tackles in 2024.
Did You Know? The NCAA transfer portal saw a record number of entries in 2024, with over 3,000 football players seeking new opportunities. NCAA.org
EIU Football: A Program on the Rise
These additions reflect EIU’s commitment to building a competitive football program. The mix of freshman talent and experienced transfers aims to elevate the team’s performance in the upcoming season. With a focus on both offensive and defensive improvements, the Panthers are looking to make a significant impact in their conference.
The new recruits and transfers bring a wealth of experience and talent to the Eastern Illinois University football program. Their contributions will be crucial as the Panthers aim to improve their performance and compete for a conference title.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Tylan Foster. His experience and tackling ability could make him a key player on the EIU defense.
| Player Name | Position | height | Weight | Class | Previous School |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reed Blake-Thomas | Linebacker | 6-2 | 230 | Freshman | Brighton High School |
| Dominic Fasano | Offensive Line | 6-3 | 300 | Freshman | Plainfield North High School |
| jacob Tighe | Offensive Line | 6-4 | 310 | freshman | Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammon HS |
| Brandin Carpenter | Offensive Line | 6-6 | 280 | Freshman | Pasadena High School |
| Tylan Foster | Linebacker | 5-11 | 225 | 5th Year | Univ. of Incarnate Word |
| Samuel Robles | Defensive Line | 6-2 | 270 | Junior | Tyler Junior College |
| charles Kellom | Running Back | 5-11 | 200 | RS-Junior | Univ. of Akron |
| Aaron Rice | Punter | 6-5 | 205 | Sophomore | college of DuPage |
| Ja’waun Nickson | Linebacker | 6-0 | 230 | junior | riverside City College |
| Bruce Mitchell | Defensive Back | 6-0 | 180 | RS-Sophomore | Mississippi Valley State Univ. |
| Cody Weaver | Offensive Line | 6-6 | 330 | Junior | Modesto Junior College |
| Tyler Miller | Defensive Line | 6-3 | 290 | RS-Junior | Independence CC |
| Khamrin Boecker | Safety | 6-3 | 190 | RS-Junior | College of DuPage |
| Jourden Hale-Frater | Offensive Line | 6-6 | 350 | RS-Junior | Tennessee State Univ. |
| Maximo Vaughn | Defensive Line | 6-5 | 245 | Junior | San Diego Mesa College |
| Shibat Jr. | Safety | 5-11 | 195 | Junior | Riverside City College |
| Trayvon Moore | tight End | 6-4 | 230 | 5th Year | Univ. of Nebraska Kearney |
| Aidan Hubble | Offensive Line | 6-8 | 310 | RS-Junior | San Diego Mesa College |
| Daniel Autrey | Defensive Back | 6-4 | 200 | Junior | Glendale College |
| Tovie Martin | Defensive End | 6-4 | 245 | Junior | College of the Sequoias |
looking ahead
As the Eastern Illinois University football team prepares for the upcoming season, the coaching staff will be focused on integrating these new players into the existing roster. The goal is to create a cohesive and competitive team that can challenge for a conference championship. The blend of youth and experience should provide the Panthers with the depth and talent needed to compete at a high level.
What impact do you think these new additions will have on the EIU football program? Which player are you most excited to watch this season?
Eastern Illinois University Football: A Legacy of Success
Eastern Illinois University has a rich history in college football, with a tradition of producing talented players and competitive teams. the program has seen numerous players go on to professional careers, and the Panthers have consistently been a force in their conference. The addition of these new recruits and transfers is a testament to the program’s commitment to maintaining its legacy of success.
The EIU football program has a long-standing tradition of excellence, marked by conference championships and notable alumni. The current coaching staff is dedicated to upholding this tradition by recruiting top talent and developing players to their full potential. The program’s success is built on a foundation of hard work, discipline, and a commitment to excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions About EIU Football Recruiting
Why is recruiting vital for college football programs like Eastern illinois University?
Recruiting is crucial as it brings in new talent to sustain and improve the team’s performance. It ensures a continuous influx of skilled players who can contribute to the team’s success and maintain a competitive edge.
How do college football programs like EIU identify potential recruits?
College football programs identify recruits through various methods, including attending high school games, evaluating game film, attending recruiting camps, and maintaining relationships with high school coaches.They also use recruiting services and databases to identify promising players.
What factors do coaches consider when recruiting football players?
Coaches consider several factors when recruiting, including athletic ability, academic performance, character, and fit within the team’s culture and system. They also evaluate a player’s potential for growth and development.
How does the transfer portal impact college football recruiting?
The transfer portal has significantly impacted recruiting by allowing players to easily transfer to other schools. This has created a more dynamic recruiting landscape, with programs now able to quickly fill roster gaps with experienced players from other institutions.
What role do scholarships play in college football recruiting?
Scholarships are a vital tool in recruiting,as they provide financial assistance to athletes,making it possible for them to attend and play for a particular university. The number of scholarships a program has available can greatly influence its ability to attract top talent.
How do Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals affect college football recruiting?
NIL deals have added a new dimension to recruiting, allowing college athletes to earn compensation for their name, image, and likeness.This can be a significant factor for some recruits when choosing a school, as it provides an opportunity to earn money while playing college football.
What are the academic requirements for being recruited to play college football?
To be eligible to play college football, recruits must meet certain academic requirements set by the NCAA.These requirements include minimum GPA and standardized test scores.Recruits must also graduate from high school and complete required core courses.
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